Donald A. McNeil, PAHS Class of '53

Donald A. McNeil, 79, of Long Hollow Rd., passed away Friday (July 31, 2015) in the Olean General Hospital, after a brief illness.
     

Born on October 11, 1935, in Olean, NY, he was a son of Clair F. and Hazel G. Plummer McNeil.  On January 23, 1971, in Port Allegany, he married Phyllis E. Abel.
     

He was a longtime resident of the area and a graduate of the Port Allegany High School, Class of 1953.
     

Don started his career at Backus Co., Smethport, after graduation working on a government secret project for the first satellite system ever launched.  Afterwards he worked for Pierce Glass Co. (now Ardagh Glass) Port Allegany for 24 years, as a mouldmaker, before transferring to the company’s Lincoln, IL facility for 8 years.  Thereafter he was employed as a mouldmaker for Owens-Illinois Glass in Brockway, PA, retiring in 2001.
     

Mr. McNeil was a past member and steward of the American Flint Glass Workers International Union, past president of the Pierce Glass Credit Union, member of F. & A.M. Liberty Lodge 505, Port Allegany, Coudersport Consistory, Canoe Fish & Game Club, and the National Rifle Association.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and an enthusiast for American history and Civil War historian.  He enjoyed his beloved Labrador, Luci.
     

Surviving in addition to his wife, Phyllis, are two sons, Kim (Christeena) McNeil of Eldred, Timothy (Dawn) McNeil of Turtlepoint; a daughter, Amy (Joe) Shelley of Port Allegany; a stepdaughter, Robin (Joe) Formoso of Cincinnati, OH; a stepson, Whitey (Sally) Brundage of Port Allegany; 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Edna May Taylor of Port Allegany; and a brother, Ronald McNeil of Turtlepoint; and several nieces and nephews.
     

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Robert McNeil.
     

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesday Aug. 4, 2015) in the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany, where a funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. with Rev. H.D, Youngblood, Jr. officiating.  Burial will be in Annin Creek Cemetery, Turtlepoint.
     

Memorials can be made to the Chestnut Street Baptist Church or Port Area Ambulance Service.